'13 Going on 30’ Star Reveals Shocking Romance With ‘Wealthy Cult Leader’

13 Going on 30 star Christa B. Allenrevealed that she was once "in love" with a cult leader in a shocking new video.

"How it feels rebuilding your life after being in love with a charismatic, wealthy cult leader, who burned it to the ground," Allen, 33, wrote at the top of a TikTok video shared on Thursday, August 28, which captured her twirling on the front lawn of a large estate.

While Allen did not reveal the identity of the alleged cult leader or any details about the organization, she did open up about her side of the experience.

"Let me be very clear: Nobody can burn down your life unless you give them access to it," she wrote. "That's the part I've had to own. I've sat with the hardest questions: Why did I trust him? Why did I hand over my power? Why did I silence my own inner knowing? The truth is, he was selling fairy tales and from luxurious penthouses and private jets. I foolishly bought in."

Despite finding the strength to leave, Allen admitted to being "shattered" about no longer being in his shadow.

"What I learned is that even if you spend every waking moment with someone — studying, eating, traveling, working, building, dreaming — you still may not KNOW them," she said. "Especially when you're dealing with someone who lies as easily as they breathe. That realization shattered me, but it also forced me to rebuild from the ground up, and fire is also cleansing."

Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

After sharing a glimpse into her experience, Allen promised to eventually "share the full story" in the future. "For now, I'm walking forward with feet on solid ground and a heart that knows strength," she said.

Allen is best known for starring as the younger version of Jenna Rink in the 2004 romantic comedy 13 Going on 30 . She's also had notable roles in the television series Cake and Revenge .

This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.